The Tams
The Tams are a renowned American vocal group originating from Atlanta, Georgia, with a significant impact on the soul music scene, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. They are celebrated for their unique sound that blends Southern soul with other musical influences.
The Tams were formed in 1952 by brothers Charles and Joseph Pope, alongside Horace Key and Robert Lee Smith. Initially honing their musical craft, they began to gain attention and established themselves as a prominent vocal group by 1960. Their name is derived from the Tam o'shanter hats they wore on stage, a style that became iconic for the group.
The group achieved their greatest commercial success during the 1960s, where they were among the few Black vocal groups to emerge from the Southeast. The Tams are known for their vibrant performances and catchy melodies that resonated with audiences across various demographics. They continued to have charting successes into the 1970s, showcasing their enduring appeal in the music industry.
The Tams have been influential in bridging generational gaps in music, appealing to diverse audiences with their exhilarating sound that incorporates elements of classic soul music. Their contributions have marked them as one of the significant vocal groups from Atlanta and the broader Southern region.
As of now, the group still performs, with original members like Charles Pope and longtime member Lil Redd continuing to be active in the music scene. Their work and influence continue to be felt, making them a staple in the history of American soul music.
In conclusion, The Tams remain an essential piece of the musical landscape, with a rich history and a legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
A Little More Soul
Written-By – Cobb, Whitley
2:06
A2 The Letter
Written-By – W. Carson
1:57
A3 Down In The Boondocks
Written-By – Joe South
2:21
A4 All My Hard Times
Written-By – Joe South
2:33
A5 Louie, Louie
Written-By – Berry
2:57
A6 To The Aisle
Written-By – Smith, Wiemer
2:33
B1 The Same Old Song
Written-By – Joe South
2:22
B2 A Little More Soul
Written-By – Langford, C. Pope, Key, J. Pope, Whitley, Smith
2:23
B3 Thank You For My Baby
Written-By – C. Pope, Key, J. Pope, Whitley, Smith
2:34
B4 Double Shot
Written-By – Vetter, Smith
2:15
B5 For The Love Of A Woman
Written-By – Joe South
2:57
Label: ABC Records – ABCS-627
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Southern Soul
The Tams' 1968 album, A Little More Soul, marked their resurgence with hits like "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy," blending classic soul with pop and beach music, a sound that solidified their legendary status, especially in the Carolina beach scene and later the UK's Northern Soul movement, offering catchy, harmony-driven tunes that showcased their distinctive tropical-infused style despite some internal group changes, making it a significant entry in their career.
The album is anchored by the popular "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy," a major R&B and Billboard hit that became a staple of beach music.
It embodies The Tams' unique "Beach Music" sound, characterized by smooth harmonies, tropical vibes, and danceable rhythms, bridging Motown and Southern Soul.
While some hits came from Joe South, this era also featured tracks penned by members like Ray Whitley and others, contributing to their distinctive sound.
The album was crucial for keeping The Tams in the spotlight, especially as "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" gained lasting popularity in the UK's Northern Soul scene years later.
It brought The Tams back to the charts after a period without major success, setting the stage for their later resurgence.
The album further cemented The Tams as icons of the "Carolina Shag" and beach music culture, a legacy built on feel-good, soulful pop. Its tracks remain beloved, showcasing the timeless quality of The Tams' blend of soul, pop, and R&B.
A Portrait Of The Tams
A2 Greatest Love (Joe South 2:28)
A3 Makin' Music (Ray Whitley 2:59)
A4 You've Got Control Of My Soul (Ray Whitley 2:22)
A5 You Got The Power (Ralph Flynn 2:41)
B1 Sunshine, Rainbow, Blue Sky, Brown-Eyed Girl (Ray Whitley 2:09)
B2 Soul Brother (Ray Whitley 2:34)
B3 Whose Little Girl Are You (Ray Whitley 2:00)
B4 Trouble Maker (Ray Whitley 1:48)
B5 What Do You Do (Ray Whitley 2:20)
B6 There's A Great Big Change In Me (Julius Cobb 3:20)
Label: ABC Records – ABCS-673
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
A Portrait of the Tams is an album by Southern soul group The Tams, which came out during their time on the ABC-Paramount label. While it may not have had the same mainstream success as their earlier singles like "What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)," the album is part of their extensive catalog that solidified their legacy in the "beach music" scene. Reviews are scarce, but fans have noted the album features the band's signature smooth sound and was created during a period when the group was still actively touring and recording.
The album was released in 1969, near the end of the Tams' time with ABC-Paramount before they moved to the Lowery's 1-2-3 label. This was a period when they continued to produce music, though their biggest chart successes came earlier in the decade.
The Tams are known for their smooth soul sound and were a major influence on the "beach music" genre, particularly in the Southeast U.S.. A Portrait of the Tams is part of this body of work that showcased this signature sound.
While less famous than their 1960s hits, this album contributes to their lasting legacy, which includes a continued presence on the music scene for decades, their induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and a revival of their music through films like Shag.
Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me!
Written-By – Mac Davis 2:21
A2 Go Away Little Girl
Written-By – Goffin-King 2:13
A3 What Kind Of Girl Are You?
Written-By – Ray Whitley 1:55
A4 Hey Little Girl
Written-By – Buddy Funk 2:31
A5 Why Did My Little Girl Cry?
Written-By – Harry Middlebrooks 2:11
A6 Hey Girl Don't Bother Me
Written-By – Ray Whitley 2:25
B1 Silly Little Girl
Written-By – Joe South 2:36
B2 Candy
Written-By – Kramer, Whitney, David 2:15
B3 My Lady Elaina
Written-By – Judy Thomas 2:08
B4 Melancholy Baby
Written-By – Burnett, Morton 2:21
B5 She's Funny That Way
Written-By – Clark, Whiting 2:07
B6 Anna (Go To Him)
Written-By – A. Alexander 2:45
Label: ABC-Paramount – ABC 499
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Hey Girl Don't Bother Me! is a classic 1964 R&B and soul album featuring the group's signature vocal harmonies and beach music sound.
The album features 10 tracks, including their popular single of the same name. The track "Hey Girl Don't Bother Me" was originally a US R&B chart hit, later reaching number one in the UK charts in 1971.
Reviewers praise the album for its great sound and nostalgic appeal, capturing the essence of 1960s soul and R&B. The lead singer's distinctive voice is often highlighted as making even average songs sound great. The album is considered a must-have for soul and R&B collectors, especially those interested in the "Carolina shag" dance scene, where The Tams' music was very popular.